Acrylic Paint for Whitewalls

[NorthernWolfman]

hi guys, awesome site you guys got here, been lurking for quite a while now and trying to find the answers to my questions so i wouldn't be asking the same questions to you guys but i can't find the answer to this one. I just recently got settled in and started working on some kits again in my spare time and been trying new thngs that i've never done before. I'm working on a 32 ford street rod and wanted to whitewall the tires so i am using Tamiyas acrylic white. So i painted the walls of the tires a while back ago and let the whole project sit for a long time, came back to it and noticed the paint cracking and falling off the tires, stripped them down and sanded them with the dremel a bit, repainted them not too long ago again and the paint cracked again. Should i be sealing the paint with Future or something else?

thanks guys

[Lyle Willits]

I've used Polly Scale water-based acrylic paints for tires for over 30 years with no peeling or yellowing. Wash the tires first in warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly before painting.

[Tommy Kortman]

Matthew,

Welcome to the site. I think you'll find guys here that can answer just about any question you have. And you will probably get more than one answer that will work.

Now, getting to your question. I have always used Polly Scale paints to do white walls. It's an acrylic paint similar to Tamiya, but it covers better when you brush it. Polly Scale can be found in a lot of model railroad shops. I have user both Reefer White and Antique White. I prefer the Antique White because it gives a little more realistic hue to the whites. Polly scale drys to an eggshell satin finish which to me looks perfect for white walls. The tires on the truck below were painted painted with the Antique white approx. 5 or 6 years ago now. they do not have any clear over them and they look just as good now as when I painted them. I hope this has helped.

[LDO]

I have used artist's acrylic paints in tubes. I've used white and also mixed in tiny bits of brown and yellow for replicating yellowed whitewalls, such as the shoe polish markings on funny car and dragster tires.

[philo426]

I used Tamiya flat acrylic white for the whitewalls on this '58 Caddy. No cracking or peeling issues to date 6 years on!

[Junkman]

I use Humbrol matt white enamel. Not a single problem in 30 years.

[NorthernWolfman]

thanks for the quick replies guys, gonna hit the hobby shop tomorrow and try some other brand of paint then

[charlie8575]

I use Humbrol matt white enamel. Not a single problem in 30 years.

You don't have problems with Humbrol reacting with the vinyl?

Charlie Larkin

[Junkman]

You don't have problems with Humbrol reacting with the vinyl?

Charlie Larkin

Not a single occurrence in 30+ years.

[VW Dave]

I've only painted a couple sets of whitewalls, but both times I used Polly S/Floquil water-based acrylic and had great results. Here's one:

[Crazed]

Doesn't seem like polly scale is available anymore. What are you guys using now?

[Daddyfink]

I only use Tamiya Flat White when doing any type of tire markings and a white Gel Pen for small tire markings. 

[Crazed]

I used Tamiya flat white on my Mobius tires for my f100 and as soon as I tried to put the wheels in they cracked and popped right off. was able to rub with my thumbnail and remove all of it.

 

[Crazed]

Bad pic, looked much better with the 2nd coat till it all came off

[Brett Barrow]

Yeah, on hollow tires it's better doing them after they're on the wheels.  

[935k3]

straight ammonia will remove the Tamiya acrylics without harming tires or other paints(wheels) Flexing of tires when putting on wheels will crack most paints. It is better to paint after the wheel is installed. Make a msk with tape and a circle template.

[Edsel-Dan]

I use the Cheap Apple Barrel Acrylics from Wal-Mart

for tire sidewalls.

Yes flexing the tire after the paint dries will crack it

and even cause lifting

[Daddyfink]

Oh yeah, it works best when airbrushed

[Crazed]

Bought some tires from Pegasus, they fit the Mobius wheels fine, just a tad taller than stock.

 

Happy Camper.

Edited March 23, 2017 by Crazed

[ChrisBcritter]

I airbrushed Testors Aztek "opaque" white to redo a couple sets of AMT 1961-issue wide whites; took three coats to make it really opaque but it worked in the end.

[jaxenro]

The tires I am painting are plastic not vinyl so I am not worried so much about the paint but how do you mask the circles?